DepEd to Hold Make-Up Classes After Week-Long Suspension

MANILA, Philippines — In the wake of school closures prompted by monsoon rains and cyclones last week, the Department of Education (DepEd) announced Tuesday that it will implement make-up classes to help students recover lost learning days.

Speaking at the launch of the Quality Basic Education Development Plan in Quezon City, Education Secretary Sonny Angara confirmed that make-up classes are a priority.

"Yes, plano talaga natin mag-makeup classes dahil kung hindi natin gagawin ‘yan, masyadong malaki iyong mawawala sa ating mga kabataan,” Angara said, emphasizing the need to compensate for disruptions to the academic calendar.

To ensure practicality, DepEd said the conduct of make-up classes will be decentralized. Schools will be given the autonomy to choose the most suitable method based on the availability of students and teachers.

“Pwedeng dagdag lang na oras sa weekdays, pwede rin gawin sa Sabado. Depende rin 'yan. Titingnan din natin iyong schedule ng mga teachers dahil gusto natin na nagpapahinga din iyong ating mga teachers,” Angara added.

DepEd assured parents and educators that the make-up arrangements would be flexible, balancing the need to catch up on lessons with the wellbeing of both learners and school personnel.

Although schools have resumed operations in most parts of the country, some areas in the Ilocos Region, Central Luzon, and the Cordillera Administrative Region remained suspended as of Tuesday due to the lingering effects of the southwest monsoon.

DepEd continues to monitor the situation and urged local government units and school heads to prioritize safety while planning for academic recovery.